What could cause my temperature to be low?

September 23, 2025 •

2 min read

While the average body temperature is often cited as 98.6°F, a slightly lower temperature can be normal for some individuals. However, a persistently low body temperature or a sudden drop can signal an underlying issue. So, what could cause my temperature to be low? Understanding the potential reasons is crucial for your health.

Quick Summary

A low body temperature can result from environmental factors like cold exposure, or indicate serious conditions such as hypothyroidism, hypoglycemia, or severe infection like sepsis. Medications and age can also play a role, making it important to monitor for symptoms like confusion or slurred speech and seek medical attention if necessary.

Key Points

Normal Variation: A slightly lower-than-average body temperature can be normal for some people, especially older adults, and can fluctuate throughout the day [1, 2].
Hypothermia is an Emergency: A core body temperature dropping below 95°F (35°C) is hypothermia, which requires immediate medical attention [1, 3].
Environmental Risk: Prolonged exposure to cold temperatures, immersion in cold water, or wearing wet clothes are common causes of heat loss [1, 4].
Underlying Medical Conditions: Diseases such as hypothyroidism, hypoglycemia, and serious infections like sepsis can significantly impact the body's ability to regulate its temperature [1, 2].
Medication Side Effects: Certain drugs, including some antidepressants, antipsychotics, and sedatives, can interfere with the brain's temperature control center and cause a lower temperature [1, 2].
Recognize Warning Signs: Key symptoms to watch for include persistent shivering, confusion, slurred speech, drowsiness, and coordination problems, especially in cold environments [1, 4].

Understanding Body Temperature Regulation

Your body's temperature is regulated by the hypothalamus, which acts like a thermostat [2]. Normal body temperature is typically between 97°F and 99°F, but it can fluctuate [1, 2]. A reading below 95°F (35°C) is considered hypothermia and requires immediate medical attention [1, 3].

Environmental and Behavioral Causes

Cold exposure is a common reason for low body temperature.

Cold Exposure

Spending time in cold weather without proper clothing, immersion in cold water, or wearing wet clothing can all lead to heat loss [1, 4].

Other Lifestyle Factors

Both very young and older individuals are more susceptible to low body temperature [1, 4]. Alcohol and drug use can impair judgment and increase heat loss [1, 4]. Exhaustion also makes it harder for your body to cope with cold [1].

Medical Conditions Affecting Body Temperature

Various health conditions can interfere with temperature regulation.

Endocrine and Metabolic Issues

Conditions like hypothyroidism, which affects metabolism, and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), can lead to lower body temperature [1, 2]. Poorly managed diabetes can also impact temperature regulation [1].

Infections and Systemic Issues

Severe infections can lead to sepsis, a life-threatening condition that can cause dangerously low body temperature, particularly in vulnerable populations [1]. Some individuals with COVID-19 have also reported low body temperature [1].

Neurological and Circulatory Disorders

Nervous system disorders, such as stroke or Parkinson's disease, can disrupt the brain's ability to regulate temperature [1, 2]. Poor circulation can also hinder the body's ability to distribute heat [1].

Medications as a Factor

Certain medications can contribute to a lower body temperature.

Drug Classifications

Some antidepressants, antipsychotics, sedatives, opioids, and beta-blockers have been associated with a drop in body temperature as a side effect [1, 2]. These medications can affect the central nervous system and temperature control [1, 2].

Comparison of Mild vs. Moderate Hypothermia

Recognizing the signs of hypothermia is crucial [1, 4].


Feature	Mild Hypothermia	Moderate Hypothermia
Core Temp Range	90°F–95°F (32°C–35°C)	82°F–90°F (28°C–32°C)
Symptoms	Shivering, goose bumps, confusion, slurred speech, trouble speaking	Shivering stops, drowsiness, hallucinations, poor coordination
Mental State	Confused, disoriented	Very sleepy, unresponsive, poor judgment
Shivering	Vigorous and persistent	Stops, which is a dangerous sign
Action	Get to warmth, remove wet clothing, warm drinks	Seek immediate medical help, do not rewarm too quickly

Conclusion

A low body temperature can have many causes, from environmental factors to underlying medical conditions or medications [1, 2, 4]. While a slightly lower temperature might be normal for some, a drop below 95°F requires immediate medical attention [1, 3]. It's important to be aware of the symptoms of hypothermia, such as confusion or slurred speech, and seek professional medical advice if you have concerns about your body temperature [1]. For more information, you can refer to resources from organizations like the Mayo Clinic on Hypothermia [1].

Frequently Asked Questions

If your temperature consistently registers below the normal range, or if you experience symptoms of hypothermia such as shivering, confusion, or a slow heart rate, you should seek immediate medical attention [1]. If your temperature drops below 95°F (35°C), it's a medical emergency [1, 3].

Yes, a variety of medications can cause a drop in body temperature as a side effect [1, 2]. These can include some antidepressants, antipsychotics, and sedatives, which interfere with your body's natural temperature regulation [1, 2].

It is not uncommon for older adults to have a slightly lower average body temperature [1]. However, this also makes them more susceptible to hypothermia, so they should be monitored carefully [1, 4].

Yes, low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, can affect your body's energy production, which in turn can impact your ability to generate heat and lead to a lower body temperature [1, 2].

The first step is to get the person into a warm, dry environment [1, 4]. Remove any wet clothing and cover them with dry blankets [1, 4]. If conscious, offer a warm, non-alcoholic drink [1, 4]. Do not rub their limbs or apply direct heat [4].

Mild hypothermia often involves shivering and confusion, while moderate to severe hypothermia may cause shivering to stop and can lead to severe drowsiness and loss of consciousness [1, 4]. Any temperature below 95°F is a cause for concern [1, 3].

Yes, especially in older adults or those with weakened immune systems, a severe infection can lead to sepsis, where the body's response can cause a dangerously low body temperature [1].